By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 16: Travellers from abroad entering Sarawak are required to apply through EnterSarawak, fill in the e-Health Declaration Form (eHDF) and undergo rt-PCR test within three days prior to entering the country effective this Monday (Oct 18).
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in a statement today said upon arrival, those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will have to undergo quarantine period of 7 days from the date of entry into Malaysia.
“Meanwhile, those who are not or incompletely vaccinated will have to undergo quarantine period of 10 days from the date of entry into Malaysia,” the committee said.
These travellers will have to complete their quarantine period at the designated quarantine station set by the authorities.
SDMC also said only travellers who have been fully vaccinated are allowed to transit to Sarawak within 24 hours.
Additionally, the travellers from abroad are required to report their travel history to the officer at the airport. Failure in doing so may result in legal action.
The committee explained that the purpose of the pre-entry screening policy in Sarawak is to reduce the risk of transmission in aircraft and at the same time, to reduce risk of infection within the community and ease the burden of health facilities in the State.
SDMC also pointed out that 77.3 per cent of the Covid-19 daily infections and 64.5 per cent of Covid-19 deaths reported in Sarawak this month (Oct 2021) involved adults who have been completely vaccinated.
“This means that although vaccination is effective in reducing the risk of Covid-19 infection and fatalities, infection can still occur and the risk of death remains especially for the elderly, those who are not eligible for the vaccines as well as those who have comorbidities.
“With given leeway, the risk of transmission in the community may increase. Therefore, SDMC strongly encourages all individuals to undergo self-screening before entering Sarawak, although it is not a mandatory requirement for those who are fully vaccinated,” the committee emphasised. — DayakDaily.
